DOH debunks use of antibiotics to treat measles
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga warned the public of the dangers of self-medication, taking antibiotics such as amoxicillin without medical consultation to treat viral infections like measles.
This was the warning from Doctor Karen Mae C. Durac, medical officer IV of DOH-CHD Caraga, aimed at addressing the concern raised by the media that due to familiarity and the disease’s constant recurrence, some parents, instead of seeking medical help would rather buy antibiotics like amoxicillin to cure ‘tigdas,’ the local name for measles, during the Kapihan sa PIA on January 14.
“This is very concerning that parents choose to self-medicate if their children or a family member gets sick,” Dr. Durac said. “Antibiotics treat bacterial diseases, not viral infections like measles.”
“DOH [advises] parents not to self-medicate. If there are symptoms like cough, colds and fever, we encourage you to go to your nearest health center and seek consultation from a health practitioner for proper diagnosis and give appropriate medication to prevent further transmission and complications.”
Accordingly, self-medication is the act of treating illnesses or symptoms without professional medical advice such as taking antibiotics without prescriptions, consuming leftover medicines, or following recommendations from friends and family rather than certified healthcare providers.
For the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations agency that leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance and health risks, including incorrect dosages, allergic reactions, drug interactions, and masking of serious conditions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Durac thanked the Kapihan sa PIA, where the department can strengthen health literacy and motivate the community and the media to help address and resolve disinformation about the treatment for measles.
The medical officer emphasized that measles, including rubella or German measles, is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications, and even death, especially among children which can be prevented through proper and complete vaccination.
She shared that the government has sustained its efforts to prevent the resurgence of measles nationwide and strengthen public health through the program on Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), from January 19 to February 13, 2026, targeting at least 95 percent vaccination coverage among eligible children who are six months to 59 months old to achieve herd immunity. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
